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, 3(2), 78-84
ISSN: 2231-010X
ReviewArticle
www.ijrpp pharmascope.org
ABSTRACT
The object of this review is to provide a brief summary of the current knowledge of the therapeutic effects
of Nigella sativa. Recently, alternative medicine has received more attention since various naturally occurring
compounds have been proved at preclinical or clinical stage to work effectively as therapeutic agent for variety of
disorders. This review covers possible details on pharmacognosy and pharmacology of Nigella sativa. Most of the
potent and fruitful activity of Nigella Sativa resides in its oil content, fixed oil and volatile oil constituents. Extensive studies on this blessed seed have been carried out by quite a few Middle Eastern countries laboratories as
well as Indian laboratories. The oil contents have shown beneficial activities such as anti-diabetics, hematology,
hepatic, anti-cancer, antibacterial, gastoprotective, analgesic, blood pressure, estrogenic activity, wound healing
activity etc. The promising scope of this seed needs more attention in terms of formulation development in future.
Keywords: alternative medicine; cure of all; promising scope
INTRODUCTION
Nigella sativa commonly known as black cumin belonging to botanical family Ranuculaceae (Buttercup) (kumar, 2006). This herb is mentioned in holy Quran, It
was said by Prophet Muhammad use of the black seed
for indeed, it is remedy for all disease except death
however today it is well known in Central and South
Asia, Western countries and the seeds are used in food
for condiment in curries, to improve digestion and
produce warmth, especially in cold climate (Nodkanis,
1982)They are used as nutritional supplement and
energy source for centuries since it has rich nutritional
value and used to treat respiratory conditions like
bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. In addition, it is
used to support stomach and intestinal health as well
as kidney and liver function. Nigella sativaseed is
thought to have antihistamine-like properties that
make it useful in treating congestion and it is widely
used as a general tonic to boost immune function and
to help prevent cancer. Several skin conditions can be
treated with black cumin seed, and it is also used to
enhance circulation. Several scientific studies are also
being conducted regarding the efficacy of whole plant
or its part for the treatment of different diseases. Nigella Sativa contains a number of chemical constituents that interact in a complex way to elicit their
* Corresponding Author
Email: munira_momin@yahoo. com
Contact: +91-9619605110
Received on:07-03-2013
Revised on: 10-03-2013
Accepted on: 10-03-2013
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Munira Momin et al., (2013) Int. J. Res. Phytochem. Pharmacol., 3(2), 78-84
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Munira Momin et al., (2013) Int. J. Res. Phytochem. Pharmacol., 3(2), 78-84
Estrogenic Activity
CONCLUSION
Seizures activity
Epileptic seizures are transient occurrence of sign and
symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronies
neuronal activity in the brain (Fisher et al., 2011)
Aqueous extract of Nigella sativa has anticonvulsant
effect and can improve seizure control in children suffering from refractory epilepsy (do not respond to antiepileptic drug) (Akhondian et al., 2006).
Wound healing activity
The entire process of wound healing is complex and
ordered cascade of events which can be divided into
four distant but over lapping phase of homeostasis,
inflammation, proliferation and maturation. The use of
traditional medicinal and plant are natural remedies in
the treatment of wounds is an important aspect of
health treatment (Sikareepaisan et al., 2011).
The developing microbial resistance to the existing
anti-microbial agents has become a real challenge and
a serious problem facing patients suffering from skin
infections in vitro and in vivo anti-microbial effect of
the Nigella sativaextract at a concentration of 20% on
standard bacterial strains and clinical isolates was assessed and compared with standard drugs, chloramphenicol and amphotericin B using agar well diffusion
assay. They proved petroleum ether extract to be the
most powerful one against these bacteria (Mariam,
2009).
The experiment was conducted in order to compare
the effects of Nigellasativaconcentration about 50%
and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream on healing of burn
wounds in rats. Yaman observe Nigella sativa oil was
found to shorten the healing process then he conclude
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